Liverpool now watching Rodrygo after predictable Florian Wirtz transfer blow

Arsenal’s reported desire to sign Rodrygo could have big implications on Liverpool’s transfer plans, it has been claimed.

The Reds are keen to bolster their attacking line after a positive first season under Arne Slot, in which the Merseyside club have won their second Premier League title in 35 years and signed talisman Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to fresh deals.

Liverpool are among a spate of European giants widely reported to be interested in the services of Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz.

However their chances of signing the German starlet could be compromised, should Arsenal pursue the services of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Sky Germany have alleged that Arsenal are in talks with Real to sign Brazilian winger Rodrygo, and should the move be completed Real will turn their attention to Wirtz.

Of course, Real are an immensely attractive proposition for most young players, and have beaten Liverpool to the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham in the past.

Los Blancos are also on course to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold, upon the expiry of the Liverpool full-back's contract next month.

Wirtz is on the radar of a spate of top clubs across Europe (Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Should the Sky report be correct, Liverpool will be hoping the Rodrygo transfer to Arsenal does not come to fruition.

When asked about links between Arsenal and Rodrygo, Mikel Arteta said in his press conference on Thursday: “I won’t name any specific player but we have brought the club into a position that next season, you have to win a major trophy.

“Everybody believes that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. Arsenal is there.

“We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”

Alexander-Arnold is set to move to Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

He continued: “What is clear as well with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line [is] that we need a goal threat and we need the firepower out there.

“Understanding that the context can change tomorrow and we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before.

“And we have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”